News

Nov 12, 2024

Meta Quest 3S Review: In VR and Ready for Anything. - Glass Almanac

Meta’s Quest series has been a major player in the VR and mixed reality market for years, and the Quest 3 raised the bar when it launched last year. Now, with the release of the more affordable Quest

Meta’s Quest series has been a major player in the VR and mixed reality market for years, and the Quest 3 raised the bar when it launched last year. Now, with the release of the more affordable Quest 3S, Meta is offering a streamlined entry point into virtual reality at a wallet-friendly price of €330. Designed for both gaming and mixed reality experiences, the Quest 3S promises to deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive in.

If you’ve seen a Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S will look instantly familiar. Its design harks back to earlier models, including the Quest 2 and even the 2018 Oculus Go. The white plastic headset is minimalist, with an elastic strap for a secure fit. While the material may lack the premium feel of some competitors like Apple’s Vision Pro, it has its advantages: it’s lightweight, durable, and surprisingly comfortable during extended sessions.

The change in branding is worth noting — the iconic Oculus logo has been swapped for Meta’s, signaling the company’s full commitment to its new identity. While it doesn’t offer the luxury finish of higher-end devices, the Quest 3S feels robust and functional, which is all most users need at this price point.

Despite its lower price, the Quest 3S doesn’t skimp on core features. Meta has equipped it with much of the same hardware as the Quest 3, ensuring smooth gameplay and immersive mixed-reality experiences. While it’s not designed to compete directly with flagship models like the Vision Pro, the Quest 3S is no slouch when it comes to performance.

The headset handles demanding VR games and mixed-reality applications with ease, offering fluid visuals and responsive tracking. Whether you’re dodging obstacles in a high-stakes VR game or exploring interactive educational tools, the Quest 3S feels up to the task. It’s a testament to Meta’s ability to balance affordability with functionality.

One of the Quest 3S’s standout features is its capability for mixed reality. While it lacks some of the high-end bells and whistles of pricier headsets, it still provides an engaging way to blend the real and virtual worlds. The passthrough mode is clear enough for basic tasks, and the headset supports a range of mixed-reality apps that let you explore new ways to interact with digital content in your physical space.

For newcomers to the VR ecosystem, this is a fantastic entry point. The Quest 3S makes mixed reality accessible without requiring users to spend thousands of dollars, which could broaden the appeal of this technology to a much larger audience.

The Meta Quest 3S isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s a straightforward, reliable headset that offers a great balance of price, performance, and features. For those looking to dip their toes into the VR and mixed reality world, it’s an excellent choice. While it won’t replace high-end devices for enthusiasts, the Quest 3S delivers where it counts, making it a standout option in the budget category.

Brian focuses on breaking news and major developments, delivering timely and accurate reports with in-depth analysis.